Thanks for the suggestions! As for my budget...it is hard to say as I don't know exactly what to look for. Roughly I guess would be $100 - $200 for a sound card and around $300 for a headset/phones. I'm not sure about an external DAC/AMP.

I am willing to sacrifice the headset benefit of a microphone if a pair of headphones is worth it (I could settle with a clip-on mic. or something...I would rarely use it anyways).

Like my username suggests, audiophile stuff is foreign to me...but here is what I've looked into so far (and feel free to share your opinions as I try to approach things objectively):

Thanks for the suggestions! As for my budget...it is hard to say as I don't know exactly what to look for. Roughly I guess would be $100 - $200 for a sound card and around $300 for a headset/phones. I'm not sure about an external DAC/AMP.

I am willing to sacrifice the headset benefit of a microphone if a pair of headphones is worth it (I could settle with a clip-on mic. or something...I would rarely use it anyways).

Like my username suggests, audiophile stuff is foreign to me...but here is what I've looked into so far (and feel free to share your opinions as I try to approach things objectively):

Mad Lust Envy's guide.

Am I going in the right direction or should I be steered somewhere else?

For a budget combo.

Sennheiser HD558 headphones, new $129, used $110.

Or B&H has some used AKG K612 Pro for $145.

You can use any add-on mic you like.

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z sound card, $60-$90.

So for around $250 (or less) you would have a fairly decent setup for gaming music and movies.

Later on you can buy a $300 external DAC/Amp (if you choose) and plug it into the Z and still be able to use the headphone surround sound features.

I have a few questions that I need clearing up, sorry if they're kind of random.

Are there any DACs that provide 3D processing as well as a soundcard could?

If I were to use a lower impedance headphone, (V-Moda M-100 w/ boom mic and XL Earpads) what type of audio setup would be best in providing both positional audio for competitive gaming as well as good sound for music?

I have a few questions that I need clearing up, sorry if they're kind of random.

Are there any DACs that provide 3D processing as well as a soundcard could?

If I were to use a lower impedance headphone, (V-Moda M-100 w/ boom mic and XL Earpads) what type of audio setup would be best in providing both positional audio for competitive gaming as well as good sound for music?

Thanks!

Creative Sound Blaster Z 70 (5.1)

Asus Xonar DX (7.1)

Which would be a better sound card for positional audio?

Standalone DACs have NO gaming audio features whatsoever, or any other sort of DSP effect for that matter. They just convert a signal from digital to analog; that's it. That's all they're supposed to do.

A sound card has a built-in DAC, alongside an ADC for line-in and mic inputs, and on older cards, a hardware DSP for audio processing (which most newer cards handle entirely through their driver/software package), most prominently for gaming audio in a time when CPUs were generally 500 MHz and slower.

USB DACs are really just USB sound cards that only have outputs, and since they cater to audiophiles who want faithful music reproduction, they have ZERO gaming features whatsoever. That's why I DON'T recommend getting one with only USB input if you plan on gaming, since a DAC with S/PDIF input can be paired to a cheap sound card that can serve as your gaming DSP.

(...Note to self: when rewriting the guide, put an explanation along those lines in it so I don't have to explain what a DAC is every single time.)

The Sound Blaster Z and Xonar DX both have a great reputation, but I'd still personally opt for an X-Fi Titanium due to my general preference for CMSS-3D Headphone when it comes to pinpoint positioning. Whether you share that preference over SBX Pro Surround and Dolby Headphone respectively is another matter, one you'll have to decide for yourself.

I have a few questions that I need clearing up, sorry if they're kind of random.
Are there any DACs that provide 3D processing as well as a sound card could?
If I were to use a lower impedance headphone, (V-Moda M-100 w/ boom mic and XL Earpads) what type of audio setup would be best in providing both positional audio for competitive gaming as well as good sound for music?

Thanks!

Creative Sound Blaster Z 70 (5.1)

Asus Xonar DX (7.1)

Which would be a better sound card for positional audio?

An external DAC does not come with any surround sound (3D processing) features, but an external sound card does.

If I were to use a lower impedance headphone, (V-Moda M-100 w/ boom mic and XL Earpads) what type of audio setup would be best in providing both positional audio for competitive gaming as well as good sound for music?

M100? What happened with the Q701 you mentioned in the other thread? It's going to be a MUCH better performer for gaming. Stay away from the M100.

Basically, you're going to want to grab a card that is going to do your surround sound processing. I'm also recommending the X-Fi Titanium HD for that because I prefer CMSS-3D over others such as Dolby Headphone. Then, depending on the headphones you choose, you may need to throw an external amp in between your card and cans. If you go with the Q701, an amp is very much recommended. Something as simple as a Magni or E09K will work fine.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I don't have unlimited money so I want to get the M100 for all-around use including gaming as well as music both on my computer and my phone. I'm thinking I'll get the Titanium X-Fi HD and M100 to start. Eventually when I get more money ill but the Q701 an Schiit Magni specifically for gaming, and use the M100 for music.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I don't have unlimited money so I want to get the M100 for all-around use including gaming as well as music both on my computer and my phone. I'm thinking I'll get the Titanium X-Fi HD and M100 to start. Eventually when I get more money ill but the Q701 an Schiit Magni specifically for gaming, and use the M100 for music.

The M100 is still a $300 headphone and it's not good for gaming. The Q701 is $200 and the Magni or E09K is $100 and you'll have a setup that will blow the M100 away. It's your money, but if you really are getting something for competitive gaming, I think you're making a bad decision.

^ have you heard the M-100? It's a good headphone that ought not be underestimated. That said...
I prefer the Q701 for gaming AND music, personally. And prefer comfort. The M-100 comes into it's own for portability, durability, and for being a decent closed option, but at home I choose an AKG.

^ have you heard the M-100? It's a good headphone that ought not be underestimated. That said...
I prefer the Q701 for gaming AND music, personally. And prefer comfort. The M-100 comes into it's own for portability, durability, and for being a decent closed option, but at home I choose an AKG.

Have you heard it? It's a closed bass head can, has an extremely tiny soundstage, and there's almost no separation. I can't think anyone who has would recommend it for competitive gaming. Again, if that is really his focus, there are many other routes to take that will deliver a better experience.

Own one, for almost a year now, yeah I've heard it. I would first say get a Q701 and not worry about using earbuds while on-the-go and outside the home, but if a closed headphone is needed the M-100 is a pretty good closed portable headphone. I'm not saying it's the best, I'm just saying it's a decent closed headphone and easily beats using stereo desktop speakers, works with virtual surround processing.

Own one, for almost a year now, yeah I've heard it. I would first say get a Q701 and not worry about using earbuds while on-the-go and outside the home, but if a closed headphone is needed the M-100 is a pretty good closed portable headphone. I'm not saying it's the best, I'm just saying it's a decent closed headphone and easily beats using stereo desktop speakers, works with virtual surround processing.

I haven't tried XL pads.

I think you and I are on the same page. I like the M100. I'm just saying there are better options out there for competitive gaming. One is the Q701. If he has to go closed, I would also recommend the SRH940 over the M100.

The M100 is still a $300 headphone and it's not good for gaming. The Q701 is $200 and the Magni or E09K is $100 and you'll have a setup that will blow the M100 away. It's your money, but if you really are getting something for competitive gaming, I think you're making a bad decision.

I think you're ignoring the fact that musically, the M100 is probably what he's looking for and he's probably leaning toward music first then gaming. So he's thinking great music, ok gaming vs what Q701 might be for him, terrible music great gaming. So I wouldn't call it a bad decision.